The U.S. leading index, a key barometer of economic conditions, declined 0.1 percent to 138.9 (1996=100) in April, The Conference Board recently reported.
Three of the 10 indicators composing the leading index increased last month, including vendor performance, stock prices, and interest rate spread. Despite the decline, the leading index suggests moderate economic growth should continue in the coming months, according to the report.
The coincident and lagging indices, which reflect current and past economic activity, respectively, increased in April.
The coincident index edged up 0.2 percent to 122.6, while the lagging index rose 0.3 percent to 122.8.
**taken from the california association of realtors bulletin, dated may 25, 2006.
